DNA interactions and anticancer evaluations of pyridine-benzimidazole-based Cu complexes.

Copper is an essential element and has redox potential, thus copper complexes have been developed rapidly with the hope of curing cancer. To further develop anticancer agents and investigate their anticancer mechanisms, two Cu complexes, [Cu(bpbb)·Cl·SCN]·(CHOH) () and [Cu(bpbb)·Br·(OH)] (), were synthesized and characterized using 4,4'-bis((2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-benzo[]imidazol-1-yl)methyl)biphenyl (bpbb), with associated Cu(ii) salts. Complex is a binuclear structure, whereas is a one-dimensional complex.

Cytotoxicity, dual-targeting apoptosis induction evaluation of multinuclear cu complexes based on pyrazine-benzimidazole derivative.

To investigate the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of multinuclear Cu complexes against tumor cell lines, two complexes, Cu(bpbib)Br (1) and Cu(bpbib)(BF)Cl (2) (bpbib = 1,4-bis((2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene) were synthesized and characterized. Both Cu complexes showed high selectivity toward cancer and not normal cells, and the SMMC7721 cell line showed most sensitivity toward both complexes. Complex 1 exhibited more potent cytotoxicity and enhanced cellular uptake, and therefore, was comprehensively investigated.